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    • How many panels can I have with an...?

    Registered Users Posts: 2 ✭
    in Solar Beginners Corner #1

    So looks like I need a little help with interpreting the numbers on my charge controller to figure out how many panels I can add.

    I have an EPEVER Tracer 3210A MPPT charge controller, and the numbers on this thing indicate a max PV input of 100V and current of 30A. It also indicates that max PV input power is 390W@12V, 780W@24V. This tracks as 390W/12V=32.5A=780W/24V. Where I'm getting hung up is, what if my PV input voltage is closer to the max voltage of 100V? would this mean the controller can handle a max PV input power greater than mentioned above (390W@12V, 780W@24V). Say I wanted to run a series-parallel array that was 880W@75V (~12A)? This voltage is less than the max input voltage and below the 30A current.

    Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time. 

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    • Solar Expert Posts: 6,017 ✭✭✭✭✭
      #2
      The current is based on the output of the controller, So a 880 watt input (within their specs) Would output around 880/12=73 amps too high for 12 volt system. or 880/24=36.6 too high for a 24 volt system. Some MPPT charge controllers can be 'over paneled' and you just lose the extra available wattage. I don't know if that's true of the EPever, it does look like it's somewhat true as they list a higher max array;


      Home system 4000 watt (Evergreen) array standing, with 2 Midnite Classic Lites,  Midnite E-panel, Magnum MS4024, Prosine 1800(now backup) and Exeltech 1100(former backup...lol), 660 ah 24v Forklift battery(now 10 years old). Off grid for 20 years (if I include 8 months on a bicycle).
      - Assorted other systems, pieces and to many panels in the closet to not do more projects.
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    • Registered Users Posts: 2 ✭
      #3

      Thank you.

      So since I'm charging a 12V system, I should keep my panels under 580W? And this will help when panels aren't putting out 100% of their capabilities?

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    • Solar Expert Posts: 6,017 ✭✭✭✭✭
      #4
      Solar_5th_Wheel_ said:
      So since I'm charging a 12V system, I should keep my panels under 580W? And this will help when panels aren't putting out 100% of their capabilities?
      That's the way I read it.
      Looks like I got the manual for the 3210AN rather than the 3210A, so might hunt down the proper manual.

      Home system 4000 watt (Evergreen) array standing, with 2 Midnite Classic Lites,  Midnite E-panel, Magnum MS4024, Prosine 1800(now backup) and Exeltech 1100(former backup...lol), 660 ah 24v Forklift battery(now 10 years old). Off grid for 20 years (if I include 8 months on a bicycle).
      - Assorted other systems, pieces and to many panels in the closet to not do more projects.
      · Share on Twitter

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